# Tide-Inspired Architecture South Korea's Suncheon International Wetlands Center by G.Lab By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-01-23 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suncheon-international-wetlands References: [openbuildings](http://www.openbuildings.com/buildings/wetlands-center-profile-1192.html) & [gansam](http://www.gansam.com/main/main.asp) With nearly 3 million visitor annually, Korea’s Suncheon Wetlands is one of the world’s largest [tidal flats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tidal-house). The Gansam Architects’ G.Lab design for the Suncheon International Wetlands Center is based on the imprint left by receding tides. The structure makes maximum use of [natural light](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-capsule-in-time) and organic design principles: Taking advantage of sunlight in the winter and minimizing its warming effects in summer. Walkways were designed to guide and encourage visitors to experience the wetlands and [outdoor exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portlantis) as they travel through the facility. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 72% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Eco-friendly Architecture:** Creating structures that harmonize with nature and reduce negative environmental impact - **Biophilic Design:** Incorporating nature elements into architectural design to improve occupant health and wellbeing - **Sustainable Tourism:** Developing eco-tourism destinations that preserve natural resources and promote environmental awareness ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Opportunity to create eco-friendly designs that enhance the natural environment and improve occupant wellbeing - **Tourism:** Opportunity to develop sustainable destinations that support environmental conservation and promote responsible tourism practices - **Construction Materials:** Opportunity to innovate and develop eco-friendly materials that can be used in sustainable building practices ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Water Flow-Inspired Art Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanhai-arts-center.md) - [Rustic Ruin-Inspired Aquariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sea-of-cortez-research-center.md) - [Rock‑Like Coastal Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nature-rocks-visitor-centre.md) - [Coastal Sculptural Events Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echo-hall.md) - [Poetic Habourfront Nature Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centre-for-coastal-nature-and-sport-fishing.md) - [Elevated River-Accomodating Temples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ganga-leheri-temple.md) - [Organic Spiral Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasona-natureverse-pavilion.md) - [Wave-Like Structural Art Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zibo-oct.md) - [Resilient Concrete Sea Walls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breathing-sea-wall.md)